The combination of low cost, small size and simplicity means
that many Dash Buttons can be placed strategically throughout a
home, to quickly reorder common household items.
Chances are, you have been hearing a lot about the
"Internet of Things" (or IoT) lately. Although the
concept dates back decades, and the term itself was coined in the
1990s, recent advances are now enabling an explosion of supremely
clever devices and applications. However, despite the ingenuity of
IoT developers, recent developments in the law could make it
difficult for them to patent their innovations.
Amazon.com
recently announced a device it calls Dash Button. (https://www.amazon.com/oc/dashbutton/) The
device is straightforward, and essentially consists of a battery, a
wireless interface, a microcontroller and a single button. When the
button is pressed, Dash Button transmits an order for a
preconfigured product – laundry detergent, for example
– to be fulfilled by Amazon.com.
